BlackwaterDnD

Em:
Welcome to BlackwaterDnD, where good friends tell better stories. Welcome to BlackwaterDnD, where good friends tell better stories. This series, Oblivion, is an eleven part miniseries using the Powered by the Apocalypse system, Godkiller, which was created by Connie Chang, now available on Itch.io for purchase. Our story tells a tale of the end of all things, and follows one prophesized soul who challenges the shackles of fated and foretold divinity. This story is our love letter to fearless storytelling, passionate vulnerability, and incredible creators who challenge us to bring our best selves to the table. For this story, your GOD, everyone else, and the thrum of the Cradle, is myself, Em Carlson, and my GODKILLER is played by Jannes Wessels and Christian Navarro. As this game falls within a holypunk and dark fantasy genre, it may contain themes and depictions that are triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and access support as you see fit.
Content warnings for this episode include:
Complicated family dynamics and relationships // strong language // falling // loss of parents
So sit back and relax, heretic. And welcome to Godkiller: Oblivion
ARC 2, PART 3: DREAMER
Em:
Sleep. Miles and miles of sleep wash over you. It feels like a lavender haze numbing your senses, a heavy blanket of peace that weighs you down in a way that is not at all unpleasant. You could stay here maybe forever. It would be easy just to slough off the commitments and responsibilities you bear and languish here in this Drift-induced sleep. You think back to most of the nights you spend trying to clamour together a few hours. Piecemeal, at best. Your sleep is usually restless, with much of the nights spent tossing and turning and wishing that there were more hours than there actually are. When you're awake, you're often sore and unrested.

The fatigue piling on top of each other each day after day, never really quite able to shake it all off. Perhaps the holy folk of Soevan know a thing or two more than you may have anticipated. And unlike most of your dreams, this one does not unnerve or discomfort you. This is tranquil and calm, and bringing you back to a time where you felt most contented. For this brief moment, you feel a different self than the one you currently inhabit. That vivid dreaming you felt or would have felt near the body of Allseia and now the Lake of Portent is even more so here. It feels both familiar and foreign at the same time.

Inanis, what do you dream of?

Jannes:
I think that in this moment of peace, he would… it would be a strange dream. It would be the dream of him in bed, comfortable and actually relaxed for a change. The smell of incense and her intermingled with the feel of her head on his chest. Not so much a dream as a sort of momentary comfort. The sort of thing that when you were young and a kid, you would squeeze your eyes closed to not have to wake up and do whatever was ahead that day. That sort of feeling of, if I keep my eyes closed, I can prolong this.

Em:
As you look down at her, nestled in next to you, you feel her scrunch her nose, and she makes a small discontented sound, protesting, waking up and she looks up at you. And she says...

Em (as Katani):
“Well, are you going to get up first or shall I?”

Em:
A huge smile on her face.

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I'm... I don't know what you're talking about. I... I'm still fast asleep.”

Em:
“Oh good, me too. I was worried I had to get up for prayers or something. I'm glad we're both still asleep because I am never late for prayers.”

Jannes:
I think he would… there would be a real sadness even in that time, in that moment of the things that he's withholding about himself. And I think it would jar against the fact that he now knows that she knew. And that would sort of make him very aware that this is not real.

Em:
She holds your gaze. And if there is any recognition of that feeling, that insight you hold, at least in this dream space - she or whatever representation of her this is does not show it.

She brings her hand up to your face and runs her thumb along your cheekbone. She grabs the covers and pulls them up over both of your heads. And she buries herself in next to you and you just languish there for a bit, not having to say anything.

Plenus, what do you dream of?

Christian:
I think Plenus opens his eyes and is falling at breakneck speed, a thousand miles an hour from beyond this planet, from beyond its orbit into its sort of atmosphere and into the eye of a storm - a dark, dark storm, crackling with lightning and thunder and he's falling, but he is unafraid. It feels perpetual and it feels peaceful. And I think he puts his hands out in a sort of natural inclination and slows his speed and can fly and is flying through this raging storm going further down.

Where - he doesn't know. I think he catches glimpses as the lightning cracks and the thunder roars of people that have been on his mind lately. And so I think the first image is Nyxal in her sort of falcon skin and I see her flying circles around me as I try and control my own descent and I see Inanis sitting by the River.

And then I see Katani. I see her as I left her the last time I saw her. And then I see nothing but lightning as I descend quicker and brace my hands to my side and plunge towards whatever is incoming.

Em:
You sail down, circling almost spiral-like through the eye of this storm. And you dive into water. It is not painful. You break the surface with barely a splash. You reorient yourself and you are simply floating on your back weightless, completely supported by the water, entirely buoyant. There is no ripples of the water. It is as if you and the water are one in the same.

Then you both stay here in this heady moment. Both maybe literally and metaphorically in a lake of serenity, until you feel your eyes more actually flutter open.

But when you open them you are not in the cart with Drifter Arno and the Paladins of Soevan. Not on the plush cushioned mattress that had no business being as comfortable as it was in a cart travelling through midwinter.

Inanis, where is the most important place to you that you are familiar with? Where is home?

Jannes:
I think that the most… the closest thing that he's ever called home was where he grew up. The small apartment that he grew up in. It was a sort of a one-bedroom place that he shared the room with his mom. And it was very simple and stark, but comfortable and well lived in.

She was there and that's a large part of what made it home.

Em:
Hmm. When you wake up, it is as if you hear a door closing, as if your mother had come to wake you up and had left the room again. And you take a look around this room, and it is almost a perfect replica of the place you remember, that home with your mother, except everything here is almost ethereal. It feels like the real thing but is a slightly translucent pink color. Everything feels the same, but it's as if it is a interpretation of what you know.

Looking around the nightstand next to you, you find a small card. It says, “Spend as long as you like. You may join when and if you are ready.”

What would you like to do? There is a door to this room as well.

Jannes:
I think with him being aware that this is not real and sort of an ethereal place, he wouldn't allow himself too much indulgent time in this memory. And I think he would very quickly remember his duty and his task, and he would get up, straighten himself up, and head through the door.

Em:
Okay. Opening the door, you see a long hallway off to the left that extends down, and you see a window not far from where you are. And you seem to be in what is the equivalent of a villa, or a more palatial estate. It is only one or two floors high, but sprawling and expansive. You see multiple clusters of houses on this estate, a couple towers off in the distance, probably 300 to 400 yards away, you see a lighthouse out amongst a sea way off in the distance.

You also see a garden closer below you. The grounds of this estate boast a lush and vibrant amount of flora. Everything that pale pink, some gold, lavender, and a pale blue. All the colours of a pre-dawn sky, just before most people open their eyes, in the sun or what is left of it, in the Cradle moves up to start the day.

You see also out this window… two individuals. They are the only difference in the colour palette. They look humanoid and are standing overlooking a wall to another area of what you assume is another garden below. What would you like to do?

Jannes:
Um, if they're the only two people that I can see, I would head towards them. And as I make my way, I would sort of take stock of what I have with me here. Check if I have the knife, check if I still have my rapier, things like that.

Em:
You have everything with you, and they are yours, not ethereal representations. You have been allowed to bring them here, is the sense you get. And that if you were not allowed those here, they would not have been gifted with you. You navigate your way down the hallways, meandering through a bunch of different staircases. There are hundreds of closed doors. None of them have handles from the outside, and each have plaques on them written in a language that I don't think you understand. You head on out onto the grounds to find these individuals and they acknowledge you on your approach.

You see a tall, masculine person with copper skin and deep brown hair tied back off his face in intricate plaits and braids. His beard holds a small braid that is fashioned with a few gold beads, dressed simply in a linen tunic and breeches, and is barefoot. Next to him stands a petite woman with pinkish white hair, wavy and cascading down her back, with bright green eyes and a soft, rounder face, wears a simple shift dress that cinches at her waist with long bell sleeves and is also barefoot. And they watch as you approach them.

Jannes:
They're standing on the grass, you said?

Em:
They seem to be standing on kind of a walkway that would look like it would lead down towards the gardens further down.

Jannes:
As I get close enough to see them, you know, the detail of what they're wearing, I would stop and I would take my shoes off and I would approach them barefoot.

Em:
You hear the masculine person give a deep, hearty laugh.

Em (as Tidor):
“It has been a long time since I have seen someone take off their shoes here. That is most respected, friend.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I did not know what the customs was here. I wanted to make sure that I was being respectful.”

Em (as Tidor):
“Well, welcome. We're happy to have you.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Thank you for having me… where wherever this is.”

Em (as Tidor):
“Ah, your first time.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Maybe, it's hard to know if I don't know where I am, but I assume so.”

Em (as Tidor):
“You are in the dreamscape, friend.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Then yes, first time.”

Em (as Tidor):
“I am Tidor. It's wonderful to meet you.”

Em:
And he extends like a big hand that almost entirely envelops yours in a handshake.

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I am Inanis.”

Em (as Tidor):
“Are you here to see Mother?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Um, I don't actually know why I'm here, so maybe? Yeah, possibly.

Em (as Tidor):
“You must be the person Mother said was coming. Fae heard from Ryland that you may have some questions.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I do. I have questions.”

Em:
Hmm. He looks down to the smaller woman and she looks, she's quite short, she looks up at you. Her eyes kind of sparkle and…

Em (as Kindri):
“What is the outside world like right now? I'm always so curious.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“It is much as it always has been. Those who have, those who want, and those who take.”

Em (as Kindri):
“Hmm. Much the same as you said. I... I have been in here a long time. I don't really remember how long it's been. Time is different here.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“You are from the waking world?”

Em (as Kindri):
“Oh no, no we are all from here. We are Kalashtar.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“You said it as though you've been to the waking world.”

Em (as Kindri):
“I have, a couple times, but I didn't think there was much for me there. There was much more to learn, and I could be here with Mother and my siblings, see them more than I would outside. Do you know about our kind?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge of your kind, no.”

Em (as Kindri):
“I understand, this must be very confusing. My name is Kindri. It's nice to meet you, Inanis, and… You were born in the waking world, and that is where you will always exist. Right now you are asleep and your body is there. We as Kalashtar were born here. Mother dreamed us, and when we were ready, when we were old enough, he had a chance to go to the Material Plane and see what we wanted to see, with an open invitation to come back any time.

There are not many of us left now, but… we make the most of the time we have both here and in the waking world. Mother stopped dreaming about 500 years ago. So… we make the most of the siblings we do have here.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Oh, our numbers in the waking world are also dwindling. It is um… I think the world feels the end coming.”

Em (as Kindri):
“Hmm. To be honest, that feels very far away here. But if that is the case, I can see why you brought those.”

Em:
She gestures to your knife and your rapier.

Em (as Kindri):
“You will have no need of them here.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I hope so.”

Em (as Kindri):
“The last person I saw that came in from the waking world also had a sword, much, much bigger though. She was kind, tall, beautiful, with armor that shone so brightly. She felt like a forest. She was far kinder than the world wanted her to be, I think. It was nice to talk to her.
In any case, you're not here for us. But if there is anything we can do for you, let us know.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I'm glad you met someone who was... from our world that was kind.”

Em (as Kindri):
“Me too. Well, you're welcome here for as long as you like.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Thank you. I think I will, um… speak to Mother when she is ready.”

Em:
Kindri and Tidor both peek up kind of over the edge, Kindri truly having to kind of push herself up and over and Tidor barely leaning a glance over to the side. And you see following their eyeline, a femme-presenting being seated on a chaise around a table with accompanying chairs with a cup of something hot in faer hand. The steam wisping up and around and an aroma of sweet florals on the breeze.

What would you like to do?

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Is it alright if I approach her or do I wait until she calls me?”

Em:
Kindri smiles.

Em (as Kindri):
“You and your brother can see faer when you're ready.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Is he here already?”

Em (as Kindri):
“I'm not sure, but I'm sure you'll see him soon.”

Em:
And we watch as you navigate the steps down towards the lower garden.

Plenus, where is the most important place that you are familiar with? Where is home?

Christian:
I think home for Plenus is his walk up, and has been for so long. But if he thinks beyond that… it's... it's probably by the fire, in a sort of thatched home, bare drift really. And it's a sound, I think, for him when he thinks of home. It's a humming. Not any particular song or melody, just the sort of absent-minded humming that people can do when they're sort of unaware of it, but it's a habit.

Because that is the sound of his mother. It's humming. It's jingles she would hum to herself while she worked. And so I think I close my eyes and think of home. It's probably that, it's probably a sound. It's her humming.

Em:
And this is what you wake up to. A soft hum, simple, a few notes cycled through over and over again. You are in this room, simple. And it is exactly as you remember it from the last time you were there. Except everything is that slightly translucent ethereal pink.

Next to you, you find a small card that says, “Spend as long as you like. You may join when and if you are ready.”

Christian:
I place the car down back on the ground beside me and take in this room that… you know, people go back to places that they were when they were children and it feels smaller. Like when you go back to your high school and everything just seems smaller than what it really was. And I think that is not the feeling that he has here. Everything still seems big and hollow, and grand, the same way it felt like when he was a child. There isn't a feeling of, I've outgrown this place - it still feels too big to fit into, especially without her.

And that pink ethereal hue makes this feel like some sort of liminal space. And I think he… he probably just laughs to himself at the sort of mystery of the last few days in this moment and all that's happened. I stand up and take in the room one more time and I look specifically where my mother used to sit and weave and… I smile to myself, but then I think of what I need to do, what needs to be done, and I think, this is some strong shit - whatever he gave me. And then walk towards the door.

Em:
Okay, you leave the room lingering in the doorway for a moment. And as you look back towards the place where your mother sat, it is almost as if you can see the indentation in the cushion of where a body must have been.

As you leave, crossing the threshold into this hallway, you seem to be on the top floor inside of a tower. You can see windows on either side of the round with just two rooms on this floor. On one side, you see an ocean, vast and covering your entire field of vision through this small vertical pane of glass. At the top, there is that same emblem that you saw worn by Drifter Arno, the opalescent moon in front of a pink and purple swirled cloud. The window on the other side is a large bay window with a nook for reading, and you see that this side is also turned towards a sprawling garden. Three levels that seems to move its way down towards a beach that would lead to that ocean you just saw. You see two figures standing, looking down from a walled pathway, probably about 300 to 400 yards away from you.

What would you like to do?

Christian:
I think I'll make my way towards the ocean facing window and smell the air. Can I smell the ocean?

Em:
You can.

Christian:
This is incredible. It's magic.

Em:
It is especially magical because there has been no salt water in the Cradle for a very long time. There are lakes, big ones, that provide much of the fresh drinking water but you are seeing the sea and smelling the sea, knowing that it is the sea without ever having experienced it before.

Christian:
[sighs] Wow. I think in that moment, sort of lost in that smell of the salt stinging my nostrils and creeping into my throat, I reach for my knife to make sure it's with me.

Em:
It is. Tucked in the sheath at your side.

Christian:
And her ring is with me.

Em:
Right where you left it.

Christian:
And the cat skull?

Em:
Around your wrist.

Christian:
I turn away from the window, not really wanting to. I think I could stand there and watch the waves forever but I turn my attention to the two figures I saw below on the opposite side, the garden-facing window. And I look at that crest… and if I am here, uh, there's a possibility that I might meet another god here and… I don't know that I have the cunning to… to talk myself out of another one. So I think he's panicked. I think there's a fear that creeps in. But he breathes in that ocean air and steadies himself and makes his way towards these two figures down downwards.

Em:
Okay, you travel down eight flights of stairs, with each floor being more and more rooms. You actually have familiarity with what language this is as you've spent an extended period of time in Hood. This is Floies, which is colloquially termed Dreamspeak.

This is the language that is spoken in dreams. It's the reason why someone in your dream could speak to you in sounds that don't form words in a more common tongue, but you would still understand. You can't read it, but you know what it is.

Christian:
I can't read it. What does it feel like, I suppose?

Em:
Great question. I would say you could probably use the move, Feel Someone or Something Out, if you wished to know that.

Christian:
A vibe check, if you will.

Em:
A vibe check. So if you're going to feel someone or something out, when you try to feel out a person, place or thing, say what you want more clarity about and answer one. The GM will give you the clarity you seek as they answer the other. So the first question is, what feels welcoming on the surface? And the second is, what feels dark or unnerving as I peer deeper? Which one would you like to answer?

Christian:
Oh, I think he's more concerned with what could go wrong in this dream. So probably the latter.

Em:
Okay, so to you what feels darker or unnerving? Here.

Christian:
Her presence, the goddess of dreams, her presence seems foreboding. This world feels peaceful and beckoning like a siren song. And I think he's unnerved by that.

Em:
Okay. So what feels welcoming on the surface as I give you clarity about what these signs mean. You turn back and look at the door that you left out of, and you run your fingers along the small plaque on the door. And what is welcoming on the surface is that every room has one and no two are the same and you realize that this is your name - that the room that is behind here is created solely for you when you sleep.

Christian:
Does that mean that there's a room for every person? As I look around, does it feel like there's a room for every person on the planet?

Em:
From the tower you're in, there are probably… a hundred here. And as you get down to the bottom floor, you take a quick look around and you see that this seaside estate is covered with hundreds of buildings. And you wonder if each of them also contains rooms and rooms for everyone who dreams.

Christian:
Okay. That feels welcoming.

Em:
That feels welcoming?

Christian:
Yeah, it just feels less specific. It feels like maybe I can relax a little bit.

Em:
That this is not just a place created just to encapsulate or contain you.

Christian:
Imprison. Yeah. Yes.

Em:
Mhm. As you finally make it to the bottom floor, there is an archway that seems to lead outside. And as you step out, you see two figures sitting on a bench, talking with each other. You see a light blue-skinned person with dark long hair, a small goatee, and as they turn, hearing your arrival, just one of the most genuine smiles you've ever seen, with a twinkle in their eye. Like they just heard a very funny joke. They're wearing light pants and a simple cross-body jacket, almost like a Sherwani coat. And with them is a woman with a shaved head who looks incredibly strong, her face angular, sterner set and having seen the battlefield maybe more than once. She wears a simple shirt, vest and slacks and they are both barefoot. And they turn to look as you exit the tower.

Christian:
I yell at them from the entrance.

Christian (as Plenus):
“May I enter? May I come forward?”

Em:
They nod and they say… the light blue skinned one says,
Em (as Baj):
“Come friend, come closer.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Do I have to take my shoes off?”

Em (as Baj):
“Only if you want to.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Absolutely not.”

Em:
The woman laughs and they beckon you closer.

Christian:
Okay. And do they have that same sort of ethereal hue, or do they look real here, present?

Em:
They look corporeal, present, yes.

Christian:
I will clutch at the knife underneath my cloak as I approach.

Em:
The blue-skinned person says,

Em (as Baj):
“I trust your rest was rejuvenating.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I don't know this, to be honest, this isn't quite restful. I feel this whole thing is making me feel a bit on edge. Who are you?”

Em (as Baj):
“Ah, where are my manners? My name is Baj. It's nice to meet you. And you are?”

Christian:
“Plenus. Baj. And you are?”

Christian:
I look towards the strong woman.

Em:
The woman gives a slight nod.

Em (as Needra):
“Needra.”

Christian:
“Needra. Plenus. Where am I exactly?”

Em:
As you say your name, Baj has almost a look of surprise across their face.

Em (as Baj):
“It has been a long time for you, hasn't it?”

Christian (as Plenus)
“What what?”

Em (as Baj):
“I was here the first time you came.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“What do you mean? What do you mean the first time? This is the first time I've come here, Baj.”

Em (as Baj):
“No, no, you were, you were so much younger then. You were carried by your mother. When she visited. I, oh I doubt you'd even remember, you were probably barely able to walk on your own.”

Christian (as Plenus):
I think you're mistaken. My mother was not a practitioner or a believer. Not that there's anything wrong with that, with this, with you. But I don't think my mother's been here.”

Em (as Baj):
“Well, she dreamed, didn't she?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Yes. Is that a trick question?”

Em (as Baj):
“No. I… I think you will have some questions and I am probably not the right one to answer them.”

Needra kind of gestures her head down there.

Em (as Needra):
“Mother has tea. You can join faer if you like.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Are you... Pardon me if this is offensive, but are you human?”

Em (as Needra):
“No. We are Kalishtar.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Kalashtar. What does that mean?”

Em (as Needra):
“In our language, it means life given to dreams. Mother dreamed us and we came into existence. It was our choice whether we chose to stay here or traverse the material plane. But nowadays, most of us have ended up coming back.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Why?”

Em (as Needra):
“Because it is nice to be around people who understand.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I understand.”

Em (as Needra):
“Our bodies are in the waking world. Many in different places all around the Cradle.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Just sleeping. Just...there.”

Em (as Needra):
“Yes.”

Em:
Baj looks over towards that rock wall far away where you had seen the two figures. And he goes,

Em (as Baj):
“My sister. Her body has been moved so many times she doesn't know where it is anymore. And she has not been back to see it. She has no reason to.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“That sounds... that sounds terrifying to me, not knowing where my body was, but I suppose I'd... it would sound terrifying to me, having not known this. So I think I understand.”

Why do you look as if you've been to war? If you're here, I thought war was a… an us thing.”

Em (as Needra):
“I fought alongside many people in the last war after the death of Buloch. It was my honor to fight on behalf of my mother.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Would you fight again? On behalf of your mother.”

Em (as Needra):
“It depends if they asked. I doubt fae would ask anymore.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“What if she didn't ask? Couldn't ask? Would you fight for her still?”

Em (as Needra):
“I would do anything for her.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“You may have to. It was a pleasure to meet both of you. I… feel as if it may not be the last time we speak.”

Em:
Baj smiles once more.

Em (as Baj):
“The pleasure is ours, friend, Plenus, and you are welcome here any time.”

Em:
And they gesture down across the way to a femme-presenting being, now sipping that cup. And you smell the tea on the breeze.

Em (as Baj):
“Your brother is here, I think as well. You will obviously have much to discuss.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Oh. Is he? Now how? Okay. All right, best to get on with it, I assume. Okay, here we go.”

Em:
As you both approach the lower garden from opposite directions, you finally clock each other. There is a path that connects the both of you that leads down towards who you assume to be Mother. And if you put a couple things together, you assume that this is Soevan, the Lucid, goddess of dreams, sleep, and illusion. As you fall into step with each other silently, at least for the start, approaching this goddess.

She sits turned away from you, looking out over the sea, and... fae looks sideways, not letting her chin over her shoulder. And you hear faer voice. Warm. Kind. Hearing it feels like trying to chase the dream you just left after gently waking in your sleep.

Em (as Soevan):
“If you'd like to join me for tea, you may. And then I can give you leave. To reconnect.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Can I speak with him first before we speak with you?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Oh, yes, of course. Take all the time in the world.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Can I ask?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Yes?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Don’t listen.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Oh!”

Christian (as Plenus):
“We're in your world and I imagine you can hear everything, but just privacy between us for a moment, please.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Why don't you walk down to the lower garden? You will have privacy down there, Plenus.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Okay. Thank you.”

Em:
And she gestures off to the side. And as you see the path that she is gesturing to, um, fae then nods to someone standing underneath a banyan tree that provides shade to this path. And uh, she says,

Em (as Soevan):
“These are my guests, Somnus. They've just come to catch up. It's been some time, so they're welcome here.”

Em:
And you see a tall, broad man with long rose-colored hair tied loosely in a bun on his head. He's pale-skinned and shirtless with a smattering of freckles. But they seem to be almost these pinpricks of light. Not bright or blinding or even distracting in any way, but present. And they seem to... twinkle across him. He has a staff next to him, a tall tree branch that curves at the end with a pendant of a crescent moon hanging from it. There is jasmine blooming from the staff itself. He nods, eyeing the two of you for a moment with his gaze then returning to Soevan. And he bears an uncanny resemblance to Drifter Arno.

Christian (as Plenus):
“Are you, uh, you look well? Are you well? Do you know where your body is? This woman said that they didn't know where their bodies were. Do you know where your body is?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Um, yeah, yes, I'm, I believe I'm in the back of a, of a carriage, but I, it's foggy. I was, I took something and sort of ended up here.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Yes. As did I. It's... well, okay, I think we're safe then, but I needed to tell you before we spoke with her that I found Nyxal. Did you... did you find Nyxal?”

Jannes
“I did, I did.”

Christian:
“Okay, okay.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“And did you do what was necessary?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Okay. Well, in a way, yes. I freed her. And I cursed her anew. And she was sent to protect you. Her curse is that she will never let any harm come to you. And I think that… there's another way, that there's potentially another way, that we don't have to kill them all. I wanted to tell you that we shouldn't walk in there and speak with her with the understanding that we're going to kill her. We should be open to other ideas.

What did you do with Nyxal?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I did what we were supposed to do.”

Christian (as Plenus):
You- oh god. Okay, we need to be able to discuss this as this is going on because I can't free her and you kill her. That doesn't make any sense. We have to try and find another way. You're kind of heavy handed, aren't you? Why did you kill her? Did you ask her questions?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I did, but she didn't want to give me the answers that I wanted.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Okay, well she will be joining you soon. I'm not sure how, but she will, and she will be protecting you. She might have a grudge, I would imagine, since you killed her, but she will not let any harm come to you. And I think she has answers. Maybe you asked in a different way than I asked, but she seemed cooperative.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I am not surprised that she had answers for you. You are much more gifted with conversation.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Oh, that nonsense. I don't speak to anyone, I write. Speaking is hard. That's neither here nor there. Please don't kill her. At least not yet. Let's try and figure out another way.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Brother, I'm not trying to kill all of them. I'm only trying to kill the one. I'm not out for the blood of gods. I am merely trying to figure out how to end Archeveleon. And the only ones who can tell me that are the Seven.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Yes, I understand, but killing Archeveleon is sort of what he wants. It's his end game, right? And so I don't know that we can kill him. For instance, I just thought of this at the moment. Fae is the goddess of dreaming and dreams. Perhaps we can entrap Archeveleon in a dream forever and ever and ever. Make him believe he's dead.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Perhaps I have told you that I would give you the opportunity to come up with a different solution. But while you do, I will pursue it as if I were to end him. I'm not working against you, but I will also continue on my task until an alternative has been presented.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Okay, okay, okay. Oh, and Katani is in danger.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I'm sorry. She is…”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I, yes, you know, maybe we should have talked about this after we have this meeting, but you would want to know now. She seemed panicked, I saw her. I don't know where she is or why she's panicked. I've never seen that look in her eyes before, but she was scared.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“When... When did you... How did you see her?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I used powers. I gained the power from having… Well, Allseia, right? And I used the power she gave us, and I saw Katani. It was fleeting, but I saw her, and I felt her, and she felt scared, very scared. I have never seen her like this. Well, maybe it wasn't fear, I don't know. It was panic, certainly, but I don't know where she is.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I told her that I knew, so maybe that was it, but thank you for letting me know. I think I feel I… I owe you information in kind. I also used my powers.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Oh, what, how was it for you?”

Jannes (in Inanis):
“Plenus.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Yes?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“She lives.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Who lives?

Jannes (as Inanis):
“In my world.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“What do you mean? Katani?:

Jannes (as Inanis):
“No.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I don't understand.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Nelle.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“What did you say?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Nelle. She lives in my world.”

Christian (as Plenus):
Don't say that. Don't say that. Ooh. What do you mean she… What do you mean your world?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
My reality, my timeline, I used my powers to look for her and I found her in a temple.

Christian (as Plenus):
“Well, that's… No. No, we will not talk about this. We… Let's go.”

Jannes:
And I would grab his hand as he tried to turn and leave.

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I swore to myself that I would not let anything get in the way of completing my task. But if you ask me to go find her for you, I will. You don't have to answer now.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“You saw her?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I did. I saw her. She was in a temple in some mountain range.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Was she safe?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“She seemed quite capable. I couldn't really see if she was safe or in danger, but she seemed as though she was working, looking for something.

It is important for me, it is important for you to understand that she might not be your Nelle. She might have no knowledge or memory of you. She is a version that exists in my reality. But I can find her. I can try.

Christian (as Plenus):
“In every reality, Inanis, she is my Nelle.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
And it seems like, uh, Nyxal might have a task when she finally makes her way to me.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“We cannot… if she lives in your world. I will not let your world end. You understand that. You should not have told me.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“You... You warned me about Katani. Fair is fair. I feel as though you would have found out regardless. It is hard to keep secrets from one another while we are here.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Okay, let us… Let us go talk with a goddess. Thank you.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I will do everything I can to see you reunited. I will. But it would be… reunited for a goodbye. It is important that you know that.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I understand, I understand.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Because it will end.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“We shall see, brother. We shall see.”

Jannes:
And I would join him in walking up to faer.

Em:
You approach the place where Soevan sits and you see faer fully for the first time. Long cascading hair of pastel purples and pinks and gold all gathered into one large braid that is pooled on the floor. Night blooming flowers, embedded woven in.. jasmine, evening primrose, Nox flower. They seem to thrive off her presence.

There is a crown of stars nestled atop her head. Her skin is pale pink with deep purple eyes. And as you catch them, Plenus, you cannot help but draw comparison to one of Inanis'. And as you look deeper, you swear you see the wisps of the River move around her irises.

Fae presents, as equivalent to about 50 or 60 human years old, a simple dress off the shoulder with leagues of fabric pooling around as fae sits curled up on a chaise, gesturing the two of you to sit. She extends a hand and two delicate cups, porcelain, filled with an amber liquid, now on the table. And she smiles.

Em (as Soevan):
“Welcome. It has been so long. I was wondering if I'd ever get to see you again. Please, sit.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“People keep saying that, I don't understand.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Again?”

Em:
“Everyone is here at some point. Every being dreams. So I see some more than others. But I have known you for a very long time. And you've grown. Goodness, how you've grown.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Did you know us as separate when you knew us? Or as one?”

Em (as Soevan):
“I remember the day your mother brought you here. She did not bring two babies but one. I cannot explain or justify the separation that you experience now but… she dreamed of you. She arrived without warning, one day in a dream of her own and her conviction was strong enough that she left her room and came to find me. She prayed to me, she prayed to Falir, she prayed to Tenebe, she prayed for a child who would bring her the dawn each day and the moon each night. She wanted you so much.”

Em:
Both of you remember your mother in this moment and it has been such a long time since you thought about her, about a decade or more since she passed.

Your mother, Pehlia. The same mother you both remembered in the dream you woke up in here not so long ago. Tell me about her.

Jannes:
She had a belief in my ability to do anything that was so contagious that I started to believe in.

Christian:
She had hands that were of purpose, strong hands. A worker's hands. She was a basket weaver. The best basket weaver.

Jannes:
She taught me that anything can be done with a sense of art, by the intention that it's done with.

Christian:
She told me that work is love made visible, that what you do doesn't matter but how you do it does. That being a simple basket weaver could be the work of the gods.

Jannes:
She taught me that whatever you set your mind to, you could do, and that your word to do something, meant something.

Christian:
She was tall and had a graceful air to her, but she was clumsy. So very clumsy.

Jannes:
She had these laugh lines at the corner of her eyes that even when she wasn't smiling, she wore like a badge to proclaim just how much she had smiled.

Christian:
She chastised me for not smiling enough. “You've nothing to be worried about son,” she would say. “Laugh. Laughter is a gift.”

Jannes:
When she passed, even though it was before when I found the knife. It was… it was as though the light got dimmer in the Cradle, and it made it so that when Inanis heard of his task… It made sense for him to do it.

Christian:
I believe that was Mother.

Em:
Soevan looks between the two of you, simultaneously running through all of these things that she also knew. Because you knew them, because our first dreams are often of our parents.

Em (as Soevan):
“After you were born. She brought you back to say thank you. I could not see you like I see you now, knowing what you were to become. But it wouldn't have mattered. There was nothing that anyone could have said or done to change how she would have felt about you. Perhaps, perhaps this is why the Weave chose you. Place the prophecy no one wanted on your shoulders, knowing you were loved most of all.

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I think for myself.. the reason that I can do what I do is because that… is how a God should love its people. And they don't.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Don't speak for all of us.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Well, not the ones where we're from. You keep your children safe. There aren't many who can say that.”

Em (as Soevan):
“It’s why I stopped sleeping. When I sleep, I dream. And when I dream, I worried that the prophecy would fall to one of my children, and I couldn't put that on their shoulders.

Christian (as Plenus):
“I keep hearing that word prophecy. Have there been prophecies that haven't come true or that have been altered or fragmented and turned about?”

Em (as Soevan):
“I'm sure there are, but I am not the one with that knowledge. And unfortunately the one that was now sits in the River.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Allseia.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I am glad she's there though, in some way. It is nice to see my cousin. I am one of two that can travel into the River while I still live. Even the dead have dreams.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Who is the other?”

Em (as Soevan):
“I think you know.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Does he sleep?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Who?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Archeveleon.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Hmm.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Does he dream?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Of course. There may be many Gods that curse your name and wish your demise, but I will not be one of them. Does the God of the void not dream of nothingness? And while it may be an Empty, it is still a dream nonetheless. It craves rest. A gift… that it will be my pleasure to one day bestow on the long lost Archeveleon. I do not fear it. I have no reason to. In some sense it needs me, and what I provide for it. Even Gods have dreams.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“You know, the thing that's most precious about a dream, I've always thought, is the waking from it - knowing that you'll wake from the dream or the nightmare that you'll get to hug the people you love and laugh with your friends, dance with your wife. It's the waking that makes the dreams tolerable even.

I would not. I would not want to dream forever, or sleep forever.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I try and give my children the choice. I try to create…” She looks around, “The best I can here. For them. And for visitors.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“They love you very much.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I love them very much.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“They would fight for you.”

Em (as Soevan):
“They have already. And I do not wish to see them do it again.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Why not give them that choice?”

Em (as Soevan):
“If it comes to that, I would not stop them.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“But we can stop Archeveleon. Together.”

Em (as Soevan):
“And how do you propose we do that?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I don't know, I don't know, I'm not… I am uneducated in your ways. Hopefully so. I am grasping at straws. I think that there must be another way. Is there not a way to keep Archeveleon asleep forever? The tincture that you give humanoids that allow us to be here for a time. Is there not something like that for you, for God?

Em (as Soevan):
“It does not sleep. Or if it does, it is fleeting, a dozing, when it dreams of the nothingness and wakes up wanting more of the nothing. And from what I can see within you, you know yourself that it does not sleep. And while I am capable and competent within my domain, I doubt that the Empty One would give me pause to lull it into any form of slumber.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Well there must be something that we can do. Something. Why is everyone so resolved to just let this happen? I don't understand.”

Em:
Her gaze shoots to you, Inanis.

Em (as Soevan):
“You seem quite quiet over there. Also, please have some tea. It will help you feel better. You both look awful.”

Christian:
I swat the glass of tea out of whatever thing it's on and shatter it across the way, if that's possible.

Em:
It is a corporeal cup, so you would do so.

Christian (as Plenus):
“I don't want any of your fucking tea.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Well, fine, don't have any.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“You must forgive my brother. He... is in love.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“She must not, she doesn't have to forgive me.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I believe there's a saying somewhere about a pot and a kettle.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I have a question for you.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Ask away.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“You said my mother came here without a baby and left with one.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Ah, no, she did that herself.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“She dreamt us into existence the way you dream yours into existence?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Not quite. From my... ponderings about it she dreamed of you and wanted you so much, when she had otherwise been unsuccessful at conceiving. And then… you came to pass. So she came here to say thank you. What hand in it I played or Falir played or Tenebe played, I am uncertain. But it was a joy to see you and the smile on her face, the joy that she brought from you.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Brother?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Yes?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“What if she invited him in? What if we are of Archeveleon?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“You mean... his sons.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Yes.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I don't know if that's possible. I have no memories of my father.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Nor do I.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Your mother did not speak of anyone in particular. Though, her name... Pehlia. It means ‘first love’ in our language. I had not heard the words spoken in a long time by a visitor. I thought perhaps she a descendant of one of my children somewhere along the line.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“That's not good. I don’t like this.”

Em (as Soevan):
“What troubles you, Plenus?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I don't like that we may have just been a tool.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“We've always been a tool, brother.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Well, we don't have to stay that way. We don't have to stay that way. I don't like that our mother's only wish was answered by something looking to use her.”

Em (as Soevan):
“We do not know this for certain.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“No, no, we don't know because we humans are meant to dance at your feet and pick up the scraps that dribble from your jowls. Ignorant, pleading, always pleading, and you sit here sipping your fucking tea.”

Jannes:
You would see Inanis sipping his tea, and he would sort of say offhandedly,

Jannes (as Inanis):
“And believe it or not, he's the one who doesn't want to kill you. I'm the one who does all the killing.”

Em:
Inanis, as you drink that cup of tea, do you have any strain right now?

Jannes:
Yes. Two strain.

Em:
You feel this amber liquid warm despite it sitting on this table for this entire conversation. You feel more revitalized than you have in years and the benefit of a series of good hearty meals. You feel fed.

Plenus, as Inanis sips this, you, almost lost in your diatribe, focus on him once more and gone is the gauntness and pallor of his face. Inanis, you feel that fluidity and that grace you carry, that adeptness to finesse with which you use your rapier and your knife, return to you again. And you are cleared of all strain.

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Brother, you should really try this tea.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“No.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Tell me, do you know where I can find him?”

Em:
[sighs]

Christian:
If I thought something, could she hear me? Only us.

Em:
Ooh, okay.

Christian:
I would like to use a mortal move to try and Connect With this goddess in front of me. Telepathically, unbeknownst to my brother.

Em:
Ah, okay. So when you try to Connect with Someone, tell them something intimate and answer one. The GM will then reveal a fragment of their pain as they answer the other. So the two questions here are, what common ground do we share and what still divides us? And first off, what are you telling her - this intimate thing that you don't want Inanis to hear.

Christian:
Okay, I would tell her,

Christian (as Plenus):
“If you tell him the truth, he will kill him. He believes it is the only way. I know it when I speak with him. He is humouring me. But I believe in my core, in my heart, that there can be another way that we can stop him without ending it all. I will not let her die again. Now, I cannot lose her again. If there is any possibility that we can save her, we must treat it like the only possibility.”

Em:
So tell me either one of these two answers,what common ground do we share, yourself and Soevan, or what still divides us?

Christian (as Plenus):
“I know when you speak of your children, when you speak of your family… I can hear it in your voice. You love them unconditionally. You would build a world or ruin one for them.

I think if us humans have anything of the gods, it is our capacity to love. I would challenge, because we are so fleeting, our love could even be stronger. We have that as common ground. Fight with me on this common ground.”

Em:
So to answer the other, what still divides the two of you?

She clocks what you're trying to do and allows this message you send her, this connection you've built with her to happen… and the thing, that I think you sense still divides you. You can see it in her eyes - you can see how much she has lost. The pure of her children. She has stopped dreaming. The thing that still divides the two of you is fear. Deep. Seated. Fear.

She has created an entire world that she never has to leave and that her children will always be welcome in so that she can keep them safe. And you get the sense that whether Archeveleon dies or not, this place may still exist, and that's a chance she's willing to take.

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Where is he?”

Em:
Fae sighs, deep inhale. And on the exhale, Plenus, as you're seated, you can see the waves shift on the ocean in response, her movement literally changing the shape of the Dreamscape.

Em (as Soevan):
“I will be honest with you, Inanis. There is part of me that would not tell you if I knew. But I do not know. I however know where you can start, if this is truly what you want. If any of the gods have information on where Archeveleon is, it is the Seven.

Hood refused to participate in the Devoid Massacre at Barrencliff. I would not allow it. It served me no purpose. All that fear. Somnus was there at the time, acting as my Speaker.”

Em:
And fae looks again to the gentleman standing under the tree.

Em (as Soevan):
He grew weary of the waking world and asked his brother to go in his stead. Ryland. The massacre was led by Halinaea, Ashmedai and the Strix: Vosh, Kivok, and Nyxal. They called it the Last Light Crusade, but that's not what it was.

They killed every last person they could find in Barrencliff, regardless of knowing their ties or leanings. They said it was for the good of the entire Valley, for the good of the entire Cradle. So much justified so easily, without understanding what they'd done.

Perhaps if they had not, we would all have known about the end. And it could have been something… accepted, or welcomed, maybe… Given a reverence, rather than this brutalization. There were so many lives sent to the River. So quick. Within three days, Barrencliff was in ruins.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“A ruined temple between in the middle of the mountains”

Em (as Soevan):
“Perhaps.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“What's hidden there?”

Em (as Soevan):
“In Barrencliff?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Yes. What might someone be looking for there?”

Em (as Soevan):
“The Godkiller Prophecy came down 500 years ago through the Weave, which was when it was first rumoured throughout the Gods, and it caused almost a full-scale panic and war across the Cradle.

It was much larger back then and extended past the mountains with cities and towns and there were quite obviously other followers of Archeveleon other than those at Barrencliff. Otherwise, you would not stand here today.

The prophecy was found written in the catacombs underneath Barrencliff, likely much earlier than 500 years ago, but it was kept a secret by its citizens. And there was quiet worship of the Empty God. Barrencliff was insular and... But then, areas back then had the luxury of being so.

There was more plentiful resources across the Valley, which meant less reliance on the areas around. Would you believe Barrencliff used to be surrounded when rife with rich farmland? There was a saying that the name was meant to deter anyone who wished to live there, rather than being an accurate depiction of the land itself. It is close to the mountains. To the southeast.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Who was the prophet?”

Em (as Soevan)
“I do not have their name. The leaders of this Last Light crusade purged every record that was written. At least that is what Somnus and Arno have been able to tell me.”

Christian (as Plenus)
“Did you say Nyxal was there, present?”

Em (as Soevan):
“She is part of the Strix, was, is part of the Strix.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“She will tell us.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Brother, I think the place that I saw her was Barrencliff. I think she hunts the prophecy. She believed, did she not? That our task was just and right?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“How could she believe something she didn't understand?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“And if I was to put her in front of you, and she was to ask you to do it? Would you tell her she doesn't understand?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I don't know. If she's looking for the prophecy, she is not safe.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“When I return, I will send whatever form of Nyxal comes to me to find her.”

Em (as Soevan):
“You realize Nyxal may kill her if she finds her.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I just, in this very moment, realized that exact thing. Don't, don't send Nyxal. When she comes to you, ask her what she knows of the prophecy and the prophet. If she was there, she must have some recollection of it, however long ago it was.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Another place may have the information you seek. And you mentioned, you asked before about prophecies that have not come to pass. The Augury. Allseia’s temple in Glass. The High Priestex, Allayne Ivanwood. Every prophecy Allseia has received has always been given to the acolytes, written and transcribed and kept in records.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Okay, I will go there. I think I'm on my way that way anyway.”

Em:
Soevan thinks for a moment.

Em (as Soevan):
“Closing in. A bit of time, but not long now.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“So brother, you will go and try and find out if there are prophecies that haven't come to pass. I will ask Nyxal about the prophecy. I'll be honest, I must also… I must also check on…”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Yes, yes.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“if she is in trouble. I will need to make sure she is safe.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Go remind yourself what we are doing, why we are doing it. Find her. Make sure she's safe. Make sure they are both safe. Best not mention Nelle to anyone.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Each of you will have someone onto your pursuit. Inanis, the Strix have already felt the loss of their sister, and they will ready themselves against you. And Plenus, your choice will have the High Nova hunting for you as you return to glass. Prepare yourself. We understand our place, though our importance. The major Seven… well, Six.. now. They stepped forward and took the power.

Also beware of the Matron on their shoulders. It may be she who is called to hunt you instead. The Screeching Steel at her behest to terrorize you how they see fit. Vengeance is powerful. I am surprised the Matron is still amongst the minor gods, and I wonder if she will make a play from the now empty seat.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“It's all moot, isn't it? This one climbing over that one for a seat when everything will be swallowed whole by Archeveleon anyway?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Sometimes ignorance is bliss.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Yes, but you're not ignorant, are you? You suspect that this... this place you've built here... might survive... even if Archeveleon swallows everything else whole.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I like to hope I have the luxury of perspective. Plenus.

Jannes:
At the mention of that, you would see for the first time, I think… there is a sort of like a question on Inanis' face. And… I would like to use a renown move.

Christian:
Oh shit.

Em:
Okay.

Jannes:
I would like to use the renowned move Vagabond.

Em:
Okay.

Jannes:
And I can ask one of the following once per session. What aren't they telling me? And the specific thing that I am curious about is that idea that there would be somewhere safe from the end of everything.

Em:
Your mind pulls back to what Soevan said about faer ability to pass in and out of the River while she still lives. You wonder if she has figured out how to make dreaming an extension of the River, which has been dried up and inaccessible to other gods. That she may be able to tap into a small aspect of the power that every other god clamours for. And she is hoping, and, for lack of better words, praying, that this sanctuary she has built for herself… for faer visitors and her children will be safe. And you too see that fear. You see deep, deep fear.
While she doesn't wear it on faer face, it is there below the easy countenance.

Christian (as Plenus):
“May I ask one last question?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Of course.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Does she dream of me as I dream of her? Does she speak to me in her sleep?”

Em (as Soevan):
“Yours?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Nelle, my Nelle, yes. You said that the dead can still dream.”

Em (as Soevan):
“The door you came out of. Your room is yours. Every person who dreams has some space here, and I am willing to grant them that space. I cannot control all of the dreams. Some nightmares sneak in, as you well know. But…

The dead do not have doors. They do not have the shelter of these dwellings. They do not have rooms of their own. But they do dream. I remember her dreams from when she was alive and you are in many of them.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I think it's time I be going, brother.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“All right. I... I'm sure we will meet again soon. Find out what you can. I will do my best to not kill any more gods.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Stay safe, brother.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Before you go, I know we are vastly different and we want very different things but the knowledge that, despite it all, we shared a Mother… Trust that I am just as much her son as you are.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I trust you.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I trust you.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I hope your journey back is safe, Plenus.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Thank you.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Inanis, would you stay a moment?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I will.”

Em:
“Plenus, you stand up.”

Christian (as Plenus):
“I'm sorry… about the glass. I didn't mean to... I was... I was angry.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Tell you what. Dream up another one, okay?”

Christian (as Plenus):
“Goodbye.”

Em:
Fae dips her head. And Plenus, as you stand, leaving. Inanis, sitting with Soavan, you take one last look out over that ocean. The salty breeze rustling through your hair that still remains untied. You begin the slow walk back to the tower.

Soevan watches Plenus go, and holds that gaze a moment longer than she needs to, to make sure that Plenus rejoins Baj and Needra near the tower and she looks back at you.

Em (as Soevan):
“I worry about the both of you like you're my own children.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“When you sleep do you return to the waking world to walk amongst them?”

Em (as Soevan):
Yes.

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Hmm. You wouldn't happen to weave baskets while you're there, would you?”

Em (as Soevan):
“I would hope that they would not be as cruel as to make the godkiller the child of a god, but the only person who can read the Weave now sits in the River. So what do I know?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I have a... a deal to make you.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Do you?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I do. You've done a remarkable thing making this safe place. And I do hope that when I end him it will endure, and I can do my best to make sure that it does. I have been gifted with… the ability to manifest certain miracles and… but in exchange for that… I would ask that you give somewhere for my brother to go. When I do.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Would you have me bring her?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
I don't think he'd come without her, to be honest. But, that will have to be up to her. I will not make her come. if he had somewhere to go that was safe, he… only one of us needs to end it.

It's interesting we speak about the waking and the sleep, the day and the night. He is the day, and I am the night and I think that he should continue just as much as I do. So, if I can get him here, and this place survives - I ask that you give him refuge.”

Em (as Soevan):
“And what of your heart, Inanis Eutoches? What of the love you carry that you try so hard not to look at?”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Not all of us get the opportunity to be with the ones we love. And that's alright.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I will try my best. But I ask for one thing in return from you.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Name it.”

Em (as Soevan):
“A deal for a deal. I feel like I owe it to your mother… to look out for you, all of you.”

Em:
She reaches out her hand to yours.

Jannes:
I take it.

Em:
You feel… a cool feeling emanate between both of your palms like the cold side of a pillow.

Em (as Soevan):
“It is a fraction of what I used to be able to do, but I hope it is enough. And here I am asking myself would this power be befitting of a godkiller? He who is supposed to bring the end and the nothing.

I give you this. And I ask you to remember that she has always preferred to walk amongst the people that she cares for so much. We are passers in the night, Her Grace and I. We see each other every so often in the River, as she ferries souls there after their death. It is beautiful to watch her work, a dance. A rhythm to it. But you know that. Every movement is precise, everything is thought of and taken care of. She leaves nothing unattended to… measured to make every death important, to uphold the balance she has arbited to keep.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Don't mistake inability to love her as she deserves for a desire not to. It has nothing to do with her. And everything to do with me.”

Em (as Soevan):
There is almost nothing that could convince her against something she holds so strongly in her belief. You will never find someone so steadfast. You may be surprised at what you could do and what could be possible. All I'm asking you to do is entertain it, out of respect for her.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Are you asking me to entertain the possibility of not fulfilling my task?”

Em (as Soevan):
“That is up to you to decide. I am asking you potentially to not shut yourself off from something that would maybe bring you joy... ..before everything ends. Because I know that if that could bring a smile to your face, that somewhere those laugh lines your mother have are crinkling.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“Joy is for my brother. I thank you for your gift and your words. And I do plan on seeing her when I return. I will tell her of the kindness that you have shown, but I have changed much since I saw her last.”

Em (as Soevan):
“Then I'll let you go in peace. And enjoy the last bit of your sleep before you arrive back in a city that is not ready for you to arrive in it.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“And I don't say this to be cruel or ungrateful: I won't let anything stand in my way of my task.”

Em (as Soevan):
“I know.”

Jannes (as Inanis):
“And I know my brother. And I know that he will do anything to shift or alter how things play out. And I love him, and I trust him. But I warn you to be careful whose side you pick.”

Em:
Fae looks around at what she has created for herself.

Em (as Soevan):
“I am not naive to know whose side I am on. Now, go. You are welcome back anytime.”

Jannes:
And he would turn, and knowingly, knowing what he's doing, he would smile and she would see the same crinkles in the corners of his eyes that his mom had, and he would walk out.

Em:
Plenus walks back towards Baj and Nidra passing them with a nod and scaling the steps of the tower, leaving this place with more information than he found it, climbing up the stairs.

And, Inanis, you leave Soevan here in faer garden. You walk past Kindri and Tidor. Do you return to your room? Do you do anything before you sleep?

Jannes:
No, I think I would just return to my room and go back, back to sleep. I think that I would be eager to get back to the waking world and back to my task.

Em:
Okay. Plenus, do you return to your room? Do you do anything before you sleep?

Christian:
I think he would return to the topmost part of that tower and stare out at the sea for as long as he could, and really try and remember the smell of the water. The feel of the wind in his hair and the taste of the water and the salt in his mouth. And I think he realizes that the ocean and the sound of his mother's humming do the same thing for him.

Em:
You commit this feeling, this moment to memory, and then pray to whatever God is listening, that it's one of those dreams you can remember and access again the next time you go to sleep. Both of you settle in your rooms again, nestled in a bed made for you.

And I think there's a moment where each of you wonders: Where does this go when I am awake? And as sleep begins to take you, an opiate to your senses, there is a moment where you transition back through that liminal space, back into that first dream we saw each of you in.

Inanis, the covers are pulled up and over - she moves her hair back. A mass of curls, the sheet catching on her horns as she smiles at you.

Jannes:
I think I would just say to her...

Jannes (as Inanis):
“I don't know if you can hear me. But I'm coming.”

Em:
And the dream begins to fade. Your eyes set on hers with a smile on her face.

Plenus, you feel the floating on that water once more. The storm raging above you. What happens in the last seconds here in this liminal space?

Christian:
I think I focus intently on the sound of my brother's voice. In the words he said, he sort of threw away. He said, in my reality. And I focus on those words. And I think of Nelle in some crypt somewhere under a cliff searching for whatever she's searching for. And I think,

Christian (as Plenus):
“I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm coming.”

Em:
And as the final flutter of your eyelids prompts their full shuttering closed to sleep, in this space, you begin to clock the sound of cartwheels on gravel, the sound of horseshoes in matched step, the soft talking of the other beings inside this cart as it pulls to a halt as you awaken on the outskirts of Glass once more.

[‘Something & Nothing: Main Theme’ begins, composed by Sean McRoberts]

Em:
Godkiller: Oblivion is performed by Em Carlson, Christian Navarro & Jannes Wessels. Special thanks to our campaign artist, Mischi. You can find her at @Mischiart on Twitter, as well as to Sean McRoberts, for our composing ‘Something & Nothing’, our main theme for this episode. Music and effects by Epidemic Sound. For more stories, come follow us everywhere at @blackwaterdnd, and be sure to check out our Main Campaign on Monday nights at 8pm PST at twitch.tv/blackwaterdnd. To play your own campaign of Godkiller and dive into your own divinity, go support Godkiller by purchasing the ashcan on itch.io today. This show is made possible by our patrons, and sponsors who graciously support us playing pretend and having feelings about it. You too can come join us on Patreon, where you can check out behind the scenes info, our talkback show Chatwater, as well as exclusive series like this one! Head on over to patreon.com/blackwaterdnd for all the info. See you next time, heretics, and to all the gods out there, be safe!